Bill Wuthrich came to Midwest Food Bank wanting to help others. Years later, he is still showing up week after week.
Peoria Volunteer Opportunities Can Start With One Invitation to Serve
When Bill Wuthrich began volunteering at Midwest Food Bank in Peoria in 2020, he was looking for a way to help people whose needs were greater than his own. He found it in the warehouse.
While much of the world was locking down, Bill began volunteering in a full-time warehouse capacity. Another longtime Midwest Food Bank volunteer, Pete Brown, recruited him. What started with one invitation became years of consistent service. Today, Bill continues to be an important part of the Peoria team and a familiar face among those who volunteer each week.
Finding Purpose in the Warehouse
Bill’s story is a reminder that Peoria volunteer opportunities are often about finding a place where your time and abilities can be useful. For Bill, that place is Midwest Food Bank’s warehouse.
As one of a small number of volunteer forklift drivers, Bill helps keep food moving through the facility. His regular responsibilities include:
– Unloading trucks when food and other products arrive
– Loading trucks for remote distribution deliveries
– Helping prepare for weekly food distributions
– Operating a forklift to support warehouse logistics
It is practical work that helps the Peoria operation stay ready for the nonprofit partners and communities it serves. Bill recently explained his reason for continuing to volunteer simply. He enjoys serving at Midwest Food Bank because “it is serving God by feeding the hungry”.
He also enjoys the people and the work. There is one exception: loading frozen food into the freezer. At negative 10 degrees, Bill admits that part is not exactly a favorite.
One Volunteer Invites Another
Bill did not keep his new volunteer experience to himself.
Early in his time at Midwest Food Bank, he invited his good friend Sandy to volunteer in the warehouse with him. Sandy later became Bill’s wife. For several years, Bill and Sandy volunteered more than 40 hours a week. They continue to give many hours each week to support Midwest Food Bank’s work in Peoria.
Their story also reflects something that happens naturally in volunteer communities. Pete invited Bill. Bill invited Sandy. Years later, Bill and Sandy are still serving. For people considering Peoria volunteer opportunities, getting started can be as simple as accepting an invitation or bringing someone you know along with you.
Consistency Makes a Difference
Bill’s contribution is not built around one day or one project. It is the result of showing up consistently and being willing to take on work that needs to be done. Year after year, that has made Bill a valued part of Midwest Food Bank’s Peoria warehouse operations.
The Peoria team is grateful for Bill’s generous commitment, the many hours he continues to give, and his willingness to encourage others to volunteer alongside him. Thank you, Bill, for continuing to serve.
People interested in finding their own Peoria volunteer opportunities can learn more about volunteering with Midwest Food Bank or explore current Midwest Food Bank volunteer opportunities through Golden. Learn more about Midwest Food Bank and its mission and how volunteers help make food distribution possible.
